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War veterans thanked for service and sacrifice 11 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, November 5, 2009 Continued from page 1 Colonel John McCrae's immortal poem, In Flanders Field. The sad truth that war is not confined to the pages of history was made very clear to all present when images of Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan were shown on huge screens as the Last Post Bugle Call was played. "Veterans we will always be influenced by your unbreakable spirit and your unwavering courage. We will never forget the tremendous sacrifices that you made and that continue to be made for our freedom," said Kristin Courtney, owner of MEDIchair Halton. "From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. You will always be remembered as our nation's heroes." Courtney also expressed her gratitude to the men and women of the Canadian Forces currently serving in Afghanistan as well as those serving in Canada. She noted the 133 soldiers who have given their lives in the conflict will never be forgotten. Representatives from nearly every level of government echoed Courtney's comments during the event with Joan Gibb (speaking on behalf of Oakville MP Terence Young) reading a statement from Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "I am deeply heartened to have this opportunity to salute our noble veterans and their families. You are our nation's heroes. We are tremendously indebted to our veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces who, from the Great War to Afghanistan, paid a dear price in service to our country. Canadians owe the freedom, security and rights that define our sovereign nation to your unwavering commitment and valour. We must repay that debt to all of you by recognizing your historical achievements. "Your sense of duty and dedication is truly unparalleled and serves as a model for all of us NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER DISTINGUISHED VETERAN: Second World War veteran Mel Hawke, of the Fourth Lorne Scots, was one of many veterans honoured at the Eighth Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. to follow." Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn took the podium next thanking the more than 1.7 million Canadians, who have served and fought for this country's freedom. Flynn paid tribute to those currently serving in Afghanistan and those who have sacrificed their lives calling them a shining example of what is good and best about Canada. "Thank you for the willingness to place the lives of future generations ahead of your own," said Flynn. Halton Region Chair Gary Carr said those who have not been to war can never truly understand the hardships Canadian soldiers have faced in experiencing daily combat, seeing friends fall, healing from physical and emotional wounds and leaving behind cherished loved ones. "But we can and we will take a moment out of our lives to remember," said Carr. "God bless each and every one of you." Those present also heard from Lieutenant Colonel Jenny Newton, who has served in Afghanistan. Fresh from Kabul, Newton noted it was a privilege for her to stand before her nation's veterans, who she called the true dignitaries of the day. Newton referred to her time in Afghanistan as an excellent experience, but noted the time spent there is unique for every person who serves there. "We bring something home that will always be with us. It is very different, but it is very special," she said. "We all have served Canada in a time of war and for us that is very important. Just like you did way back when." With the presentations complete, Mayor Rob Burton and others participated in a wreath laying ceremony, which gave way to the serving of lunch. Veterans were treated to music and raffles for the remainder of the luncheon. More than one person was reduced to tears by a music video by Bob Reid about the Highway of Heroes. All of this was deeply appreciated by those attending. "It was wonderful," said Major Dennis Speedie, who served with the British Indian Army during the Second World War. "My favourite part was the two ladies serving me and taking care of me. I live alone, so I seldom get ladies around me." Speedie, who now lives in Mississauga, joined the war in the Pacific in 1940 at the age of 19. During that time he participated in offensives that saw the Japanese chased out of Burma, Bengal, Malaya and Bangkok. Major Ray Joshua, who also served with the British Indian Army, was also moved by the luncheon. "This was a great affair. I found it very encouraging and it made us feel good," said Joshua. "I got goosebumps just listening to the bagpiper coming in." Korean War veteran Douglas Clifford was also overwhelmed by the day's event. "It was fantastic, just fantastic. It gets bigger and better every year," he said. "It's great that they even think of us." Clifford said during the war he was tasked with driving an ammunition truck to the front and bringing refugees back. "We were bringing whole families back and they were crying and sick. You had to wash your truck out every night. They had lived in the hills and their villages were taken over by one side or another and there was no place for them so we took them back into South Korea," said Clifford. "We saw a lot and not all of it good." Lest We Forget! e-mail: rspriggs@spriggs.ca SPRIGGS INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED We will never take for granted the services you have made OAKVILLE · MILTON · BURLINGTON Please Remember 159 Church Street Oakville, Ontario, L6J 1N1 Mississauga Burlington Oakville Fax (416)798-7527 (905)681-4035 (905)844-9232 (905)845-1634 Halton Region pays tribute to those men and women who put their lives in jeopardy in order to protect the peace and freedom we cherish. Gary Carr Regional Chair www.halton.ca www.homeinstead.ca/3014 905.847.8433